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SITE NAVIGATION

Contact Front Street

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Rabies?

Contact Front Street

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Frequently asked questions about general animal care services

Can I get pet food on non-pick-up days?

Due to staffing and pet food limitations, we can only hand out pet food on Wednesdays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a very serious viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals. Cats, dogs, raccoons, coyotes and foxes are mammals, as are people. Rabies is caused by a virus and almost always causes death. It is usually a disease of animals, but it can spread from an infected animal to a person. Visit What is Rabies? for frequently asked questions about this disease.

How do I know if I live in the city limits or the county limits of Sacramento?

Sacramento is divided into two parts: the city limits and the county limits. The easiest way to tell whether you are in the city or county limits is to view your street sign attached to the pole, street light, traffic light, or any other structure on the corner of the street. If it is green colored, then you are in the city limits. If it is white colored, then you are in the county limits.

Also, If you are serviced by the Sacramento Police, then you are in the city limits. If you are serviced by the Sacramento County Sheriffs, then you are in the county limits.

Service for animal control is based on jurisdiction. The Front Street Animal Shelter responds to calls within the city limits of Sacramento and accepts animals only from residents who reside within the city limits of Sacramento. Conversely, the Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation responds to calls from residents within the county limits of Sacramento.

Animal control regulations

Frequently asked questions about animal control regulations for the City of Sacramento

What can someone do about a barking dog?

Due to an overwhelming need for our services and a staffing shortage, we are prioritizing our cases to allow our animal control officers to respond to animals that need us the most. As a result, the Barking Abatement Unit has been temporarily suspended and is expected to resume within the next 6 months.

If possible and you feel comfortable, we recommend speaking to the dog owner about the noise, as people are often unaware that there is a problem. Additionally, please keep a written log to document the times and duration of the barking as well as any contact you may have with the owner.

In the meantime, please use the Sacramento Mediation Center for private conflict resolution services.

More information about the Sacramento Mediation Center

How many dogs and cats are allowed per household?

Each household within the city limits of Sacramento is allowed to have no more than 3 dogs and 7 cats. A dog is counted towards that limit if the dog is over the age of 4 months, while a cat is counted towards that limit if the cat is over the age of 2 months (see Sacramento City Code 9.44.370).

In addition, it is permissible for a resident within the city limits of Sacramento to own a potbelly pig. A potbelly pig cannot be more than 22 inches high at the shoulder or weigh more than 150 pounds. Also, any male potbelly pig over the age of 4 months must be neutered (see Sacramento City Code 9.44.320). The number of potbelly pigs allowed is no more than 3, however, this limit is connected to the limit of dogs. In other words, a resident is not allowed more than a combination of 3 dogs and potbelly pigs.

Am I allowed to tether my dog in the backyard?

Effective January 1, 2007, California law prohibits tethering, chaining, fastening, or restraining of dogs to any stationary object. Violations can be punished by a fine up to $1000 and/or 6 months in jail.

Chained or tethered dogs can injure or strangle themselves to death when their chains or tethers become entangled with other objects, or their collars become embedded in their necks. Also, chained or tethered dogs can become aggressive due to intense confinement, lack of socialization, and the inability to escape from perceived threats, and are more likely to bite or attack someone who approaches.

However, an owner is permitted to attach a dog to a running line, pulley, or trolley system (use of a choke collar or pinch collar is prohibited). An owner may also tether a dog pursuant to requirements of a camping or recreational area or tether a dog no longer than is necessary to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained for a reasonable period (i.e. cannot exceed 3 hours in a 24-hour period).

What can be done about stray cats coming onto my property?

Within the city limits of Sacramento, cats are recognized as free-roaming animals, regardless of whether they are owned, stray, friendly or feral. Unlike dogs, cats may roam freely throughout the city, are not required to be on a leash, and do not need to be confined onto the owner's property.

Visit Feral and Community Cats for information about dealing with feral cats and stray/community cats.

Is poultry or livestock allowed within the city limits of Sacramento?

Residents within the city limits of Sacramento may own a maximum of three (3) chickens per residential parcel. Visit Poultry License and Permit for the complete requirements, including applying for a license and permit.

Does animal control trap or relocate wildlife?

The Front Street Animal Shelter does not respond to calls of trapped healthy wildlife. Specifically, we do not trap nor relocate healthy wildlife. Because relocation violates federal law and the only other option is extermination, we cannot in good conscience exterminate healthy, viable animals.

The city of Sacramento is situated around two major rivers that produce an abundant population of wildlife, whereby residents must learn to cohabitate with in order to preserve the natural conditions and habitats of this region.

A citizen seeking alternatives may contact the Sacramento County Wildlife Services at 916-875-6603 or look for a private wildlife company.

Pet licensing

Frequently asked questions about pet licensing

Am I required to purchase a dog or cat license?

Yes, a person is required to purchase a City of Sacramento pet license if he/she owns a dog or a cat that is 4 months of age or older. According to city code 9.44.490(A), a license authorizes a person to own, harbor, and keep a dog or cat within the city limits of Sacramento.

What do I need in order to purchase a dog or cat license?

Your dog or cat will need a rabies vaccination administered by a veterinarian, and you must provide a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate. If your dog or cat is spayed or neutered, then you will need to provide proof of spay or neuter in order to receive a discount on the license fee. Visit Pet Licensing to get more details about how to license your pet.

Do I need to get a rabies vaccination for my pet before I license my pet?

Yes, a rabies vaccination is mandatory before the issuance of a new license. You must submit a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate that was issued by a veterinarian. The license is only valid during the period that the rabies vaccination is effective, so please make sure that the rabies vaccination has not expired or is not expiring soon.

Do I need to submit proof that my pet is spayed/neutered before I license my pet?

If your pet is spayed or neutered, you will need to submit a copy of the spay/neuter certificate issued by a veterinarian. We will also accept a veterinary bill detailing the spay or neuter surgery or a rabies vaccination certificate that indicates a pet has been verified as being spayed or neutered.

Are there any programs that help low-income residents with the cost of a license?

Yes, a pet owner is eligible to receive a 1-year license at no-charge if (1) you reside within the city limits of Sacramento, (2) your pet is spayed or neutered, and (3) you participate in one of the following programs:

Lifeline (AT&T)
PG&E and SMUD Assistance Programs
City Utility Rate Assistance Program

Proof of program participation is required. You must apply by mail.

How do I qualify for the senior citizen discount?

We offer a senior citizen discount for those who are 62 years of age or older AND whose pet is spayed or neutered. We require proof of age, such as a copy of a driver's license, an identification card, or any official document stating your identity and your age.

What are the qualifications for a show dog license or show cat license?

Registration with a national animal registry
Participation in sanctioned show within last 12 months
Dog or cat cannot be bred during period of the license

Proof of national animal registry and proof of show participation are required.

How long does a license last before it expires?

The length of a license is dependent on the length of the rabies vaccination. Licenses may be purchased for 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years. In order to qualify for a 2-year license or 3-year license, the rabies vaccination must be valid for the next 2 years or 3 years, respectively. For example, if you wish to purchase a 3-year license, then the rabies vaccination must be valid for the next three years. A license cannot expire after the rabies vaccination expiration date. In order for a license to be valid, the rabies vaccination must be valid for the same period of time as the license.

I've lost my pet's license tag. How do I replace it?

If your pet's license tag goes missing or the writing becomes illegible, you may purchase a replacement tag. You can purchase a replacement tag through your license account with DocuPet.

Poultry licensing

Frequently asked questions about owning poultry

What are the fees to purchase a chicken license and a chicken coop permit?

The fee for a 1-year chicken license is $10 per chicken and the fee for a 1-year chicken coop permit is $15. A chicken license and chicken coop permit must be renewed annually. To purchase a poultry license and permit, visit our Poultry Licensing page to download the application.

What are the requirements for owning a chicken?

A maximum of three (3) chickens per residential parcel
Roosters are prohibited
Slaughtering is prohibited
Coop may not be closer than 20 feet to the nearest neighboring dwelling
Chickens must be confined and properly caged in a coop at all times
Chickens are prohibited from being a noise disturbance
Coop must be well-maintained and clean and be a minimum of 15 square feet and a maximum of 42 square feet
Coop must have four walls and a roof and be constructed of suitable material
Coop may only be kept in the rear yard
Nesting boxes in the coop are required
Chickens must be provided with adequate food, water, and ventilation
Feed must be stored properly to prevent spoilage and to prevent access to other animals and rodents
Feces and feathers must be removed every 24 hours and shall be stored in an air tight container prior to disposal. Use of city issued garbage containers is acceptable.

Microchipping

Frequently asked questions about microchipping a pet

How does a microchip work?

A microchip is inserted into the scruff (back of the neck) of the animal's back. When an animal enters a shelter, a technician scans the animal's body with a portable, hand-held scanner. If an animal has a microchip, an identification number will appear on the scanner. The technician will call the appropriate microchip company and provide the microchip number to the company, who can check their database for the registered owner's name, address, and phone number(s). Afterwards, the shelter will attempt to make contact with the owner. It is important to know that a microchip is NOT a GPS device and is NOT a tracking device.

Where can I microchip my pet?

Any shelter or vet can microchip your pet. The Front Street Animal Shelter charges $5 per microchip, which includes microchip registration with a nationwide microchip company.

A microchip is included with any dog or cat adoption and is offered free-of-charge to pet owners who reclaim their lost pet at our shelter. The more pets we microchip, the fewer end up in shelters, lost and alone.

How can I find out if a microchip is registered?

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) provides a microchip registry lookup tool. This online tool works by searching the databases of participating companies and identifies which microchip registry should be contacted if someone finds a lost pet and discovers that the pet has a microchip. If the microchip is not registered, then it will provide the microchip's manufacturer.

What microchip companies are out there?

There are many microchip companies, registries, and pet recovery services. For a comprehensive list, visit American Animal Hospital Association.

Caring for your pet

Frequently asked questions about pet care

Where are the off-leash dog parks in Sacramento?

All dog parks managed by the Department of Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment are fenced with a double-gate system and include benches, shade areas, drinking fountains for dogs, and plenty of room to run. Dogs of all sizes are welcome.

Dog park rules

Dog owners/handlers are personally and legally responsible for their animals. You are using these facilities at your own risk.
Dogs may be off a leash only within the designated fenced area.
Owners/handlers must clean up after their dogs.
Dogs must have a current license. LIcense must be on the dog's collar. The collar must be on the dog.
Aggressive dogs are not allowed. The owner/handler of any dog exhibiting aggressive or unruly behavior are required to immediately remove the offending animal.
For every two dogs brought to the park, there must be at least one owner/handler.
Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Female dogs in season are not allowed at the facility.

Download a list of off-leash dog parks located within the city limits of Sacramento

What should I do to keep my home and yard safe for my pet?

Home is a place where every life should be safe and protected from potential threats. When family members can't take steps to protect themselves, it is up to those who can to ensure their safety. For many, pets are considered a part of the family, and as with infants or small children, they must be protected from things that can harm them. The best way to do that is to pet-proof the home.

Read the article called Pet-Proofing: Keeping Your Home and Yard Safe for Dogs or Cats

What Is Rabies?

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